Discovering blood in one’s underwear can be concerning. This article provides general information on potential causes for men. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Superficial Skin Irritations and Minor Issues
Blood in underwear can stem from minor, external skin sources. Small cuts or nicks, perhaps from shaving pubic hair or accidental friction, can cause minor bleeding that transfers to fabric. Chafing from tight clothing or prolonged physical activity can also irritate the skin, leading to small abrasions that bleed slightly.
Ingrown hairs or folliculitis, an inflammation of hair follicles, may result in localized bleeding or discharge. These often present as small, red bumps that might rupture and release a small amount of blood. Minor skin infections or rashes in the groin area can also lead to skin breakdown and subsequent bleeding. External hemorrhoids, located just outside the anus, can bleed when irritated, leaving visible stains.
Urinary and Reproductive System Causes
Blood in underwear can originate from the urinary or reproductive systems. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can inflame the urinary tract, potentially leading to hematuria (blood in the urine). This blood can then stain underwear after urination. Kidney stones, solid masses that form in the kidneys, can also cause irritation and bleeding as they pass through the urinary tract.
Prostatitis, an inflammation of the prostate gland, might result in blood appearing in urine or semen, which could then transfer to underwear. Conditions like epididymitis or orchitis, inflammations of the epididymis or testicle, can cause localized scrotal bleeding or blood in the semen. Urethritis, an inflammation of the urethra, can also lead to bleeding from the urinary passage.
Hematospermia, the presence of blood in semen, is often a benign condition resulting from inflammation of the seminal vesicles or recent vigorous sexual activity. However, it can also indicate underlying issues within the reproductive system. Less commonly, bladder or prostate cancer can also manifest with blood in the urine or semen.
Gastrointestinal Tract Causes
The lower gastrointestinal tract can also be a source of blood in underwear. Internal hemorrhoids, swollen veins inside the rectum, can bleed, often painlessly, during or after a bowel movement. This blood can then appear on toilet paper or transfer to underwear. Anal fissures, small tears in the lining of the anus, typically cause bright red bleeding accompanied by pain during bowel movements.
Diverticulitis, an inflammation of small pouches in the colon, can occasionally lead to bleeding from the rectum. This bleeding might be more significant and often accompanied by abdominal pain and fever. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), encompassing conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, can cause chronic inflammation and ulceration of the digestive tract.
These conditions frequently lead to rectal bleeding, which can appear as streaks in stool or on underwear. Less commonly, colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer can also cause bleeding from the lower digestive tract. These conditions may present with subtle or intermittent bleeding that might be noticed on underwear.
When to Consult a Doctor
Consult a doctor whenever blood is discovered in underwear, especially if the cause is not immediately apparent. Any unexplained bleeding, regardless of the amount, should prompt a consultation with a healthcare professional. Persistent bleeding, even if minor, or a significant amount of blood warrants prompt attention.
If the bleeding is accompanied by pain, particularly severe pain, fever, or chills, medical evaluation is crucial. Changes in urinary habits, such as difficulty or pain during urination, or changes in bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation, alongside bleeding, also indicate a need for medical assessment. Unexplained weight loss or fatigue occurring with the bleeding are additional signs that necessitate professional medical advice.